New rail yard coming to Kalkaska on the GLC

[James Sofonia]

Then you don't need the entire TC branches, and the line to Petoskey (though maybe keep to Elmira as I imagine cement is a pain to transload).

Aw cmon' TC, don't mess with what little rail we still have here. Somebody might actually pay attention to your words.

[MIGN-Todd]

Williamsburg's Amerhart cannot go the transload route. They would have to keep two fork lifts there (Beam stock and TGI's comes in 60ft lengths and utilizes two lifts to remove each bunk). Plus, They don't have the extra trucks to handle the haul back and forth there. They get in bulk lumber and beam stock along with truss joists on bulkhead flats. Now and again a specialty load of plywood via box cars. One flat car of let's say, pre-cut studs, holds about 80 bunks. Each bunk holds 189 2x6's or 289 2x4's give or take depending on the mill. Each bunk weighs about 2500 lbs. One flat car is about three heavy truckloads. Trailers on average are between 50 and 54 foot. Beam stock and TGI's (cut to order) at 60 foot create oversized loads requiring permits. Beam stock is super heavy also. Throw in frost laws in the spring and the loads are greatly reduced also...… As far as the scrap metal, it wouldn't be worth the effort as the need of more expensive equipment at the transload would be needed. So, I think it's safe to say that the TC is staying. Amerhart does pay extra on their shipments due to fuel surcharges but the Company doesn't care.

[Ben Higdon]

These consultants are tax money parasites. How many hundreds of thousands will go to that swindler to regurgitate Ann Arbor to “up north” traffic figures, and decide there’s potential for reestablishing rail to the Straits which will require further study?

[Steve B]

The anger at the consultants is misdirected. Save it for the governments which hire them.